I’m really tired today: there’s some extended family b.s. that’s draining energy and making it hard to sleep.
But I’m still determined to get my wrap up out today, since it’s been a while since I’ve done one.
Last weekend, I was at a conference in Wisconsin. However, my brain was convinced I was going to be in Minneapolis rather than Milwaukee, so that’s where I’d told everyone I’d be.
I was very relieved when a Milwaukeean at the conference told me she’d spent months telling everyone she was moving to Minneapolis by mistake, prior to her Wisconsin move.
The conference wasn’t well attended (we were all surprised they did it in person at all), but I got to see my beloved Tiffany and company and Denise and Jade.
Tiffany spoiled me, while Ben had to fight the kids to get to spend a few moments talking sci and sci-fi with me. I’m such a beloved aunt that Lucy got to stay home from school. Jack’s review of me (to Tiffany): “She’s really funny. And very quick-witted. I can see why you like her–her humor is perfect.” Tiffany’s mom went out of her way to get me an apple pie in a paper bag.
I didn’t know what that was.
But after tasting it, I had to get one to put in my suitcase. It’s in the freezer, waiting to be my end-of-quarter treat.
Du and Jade had lots of good food and drink with me too. While Du and I were in Wisconsin, I tried many things I hadn’t had before. Although I didn’t like the Wisconsin take on an old fashioned, with brandy, I do see the appeal of fried cheese curds.
Denise thought I wouldn’t be prepared for Northern weather, so she brought an “undercoat” for me. It turned out to be warmer than we all expected, so I used it as an outercoat. While she said what I was doing was akin to wearing my bra on the outside of my shirt, the midwesterners were kind enough not to mention it or stare.
Since returning home, I’ve gotten my flu shot. I’ve done a lot of mentoring: three hours on Veteran’s Day alone. I went to the Mondavi center for the first time in two years, and tonight I’m heading into Sacramento to see Keith Lowell Jensen at the Punchline.
After years of b.s. from the UC system, it looks like we’re striking this Wednesday and Thursday, so I’m preparing for the picket line!
